chrisharpe: I see I am in a minority but, although the idea behind the book is a good one, The Giver struck me as quite clumsy. A much more effective exploration of similar themes is Huxley's "Brave New World".

KamTonnes: Uglies and The Giver both portray societies that limit conflict by having very specific rules, roles, and expectations for everyone. Also, in both stories, the main characters slowly start to question the values of their respective communities.

BookshelfMonstrosity: In these riveting, suspenseful and thought-provoking dystopian novels, 12-year-old boys learn from inspirational figures about the true nature of their repressive societies: Jonas, from the elderly Giver; Luke, from another hidden -- albeit, more privileged and knowledgeable -- "third child."… (more)

I realized while reading this that I've seen the movie on TV, so perhaps that made me less enthralled with the story than I might have been otherwise. Still, it is a disturbing possible future when at least one corner of the planet has coped with recovering from near annialation by eliminating emotions and individuality. Only one person knows the true history of mankind, and that person must carry all the pain and memories of the past so as to spare others from knowing that pain. Of course, learning those truths leads to questioning decisions made long ago to live without any emotional highs or lows, and that of course means the tide needs to turn. . . and it does. I'm interested in the stories of the next three companion pieces that complete this look at a possible future world. ( )

This is a dystopian novel addressing social and political issues. Through the creation of a society based on sameness, precision of language , and control Lois Lowery bring to light many social and personal issues. Jonas a young teen get assigned to the job of receiver of memories, a highly regarded position in the community which he lives. Up to this point Jonas has believed his life is happy and all the rules of his community are for his own good. As he realizes that life has not always been as it is and that is not the same in other places he discovers personal choice and emotions are important. He then has a key decision to make as to his future and the future of his younger "brother" Gabe. It is thrilling and a good read that poses some very important questions about society as a whole. ( ) ( )

The Giver is one of my favorite memories from middle school. I enjoyed reading it then just as I do now. Jonas, the main character, is given a lot of responsibilities when he is assigned his "job". The story follows his journey of growing up and making his own decisions and going against the norm. It is an awesome read for middle school aged students because it keeps them interested and thinking. ( )

His mind reeled. Now, empowered to ask questions of utmost rudeness- and promised answers- he could, conceivably (though it was almost unimaginable), ask someone, some adult, his father perhaps: "Do you lie?" But he had no way of knowing if the answer he received were true.

We really have to protect people from wrong choices.

But everyone would be burdened and pained. They don't want that. And that's the real reason The Receiver is so vital to them, and so honored. They selected me-- and you--to lift that burden from themselves.

Jonas did not want to go back. He didn't want the memories, didn't want the honor, didn't want the wisdom, didn't want the pain. He wanted his childhood again, his scraped knees and ball games.

Sometimes I wish they'd ask for my wisdom more often-there are so many things I could tell them; things I wish they would change. But they don't want change. Life here is so orderly, so predictable-so painless. It's what they've chosen.

Wikipedia in English (1)

This book is about Jonah who is trying to figure out what memories are since he is the receiver and the giver is giving them to him. The story takes place in post-apocalyptic world (I'm assuming). Jonah has to come to terms with release and the very culture that he exists in. There is a trilogy for this series, and I'm excited to read them. This book can be used for character, theme, and other story elements in a class.

In a world with no poverty, no crime, no sickness and no unemployment, and where every family is happy, 12-year-old Jonas is chosen to be the community's Receiver of Memories. Under the tutelage of the Elders and an old man known as the Giver, he discovers the disturbing truth about his utopian world and struggles against the weight of its hypocrisy. With echoes of Brave New World, in this 1994 Newbery Medal winner, Lowry examines the idea that people might freely choose to give up their humanity in order to create a more stable society. Gradually Jonas learns just how costly this ordered and pain-free society can be, and boldly decides he cannot pay the price.

Lowry's unforgettable tale introduces 12-year-old Jonas, who is singled out by the Community to be trained by The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of true pain and pleasure. Now it's time for Jonas to receiver the truth.